Sunday, 17 August 2008

Another great one in the life,time and tribulations of Benni Harper. A party and shindig at the ranch owned by Benni's father results in a murder and later a follow up. Benni's former brother in law is in the frame and much to the dislike of Gabe, Benni sets out to prove he is innocent......

Tuesday, 12 August 2008

I have read back through the two sets of Journal Entries and the website that was placed in one JE about foot binding, as I could really "visualize" the process from the description in the book, and for me that was crucial to understand the storyline.

Essentially, this is the story of Mae who is married to a silk merchant and is his fourth wife, she flees him to a life in a Shanghai brothel, which is preferable to her married life. In 1899 she meets and marries an Australian called Arthur. The time line does flit from past to present, which I found in part irritating,but nonetheless,I continued to read.The ending is both dramatic and unexpected.

Monday, 11 August 2008

There was something of a charm about this book,and as I predicted when the book arrived,it was devoured quickly,and ring jumped two books, shh, don't tell anyone!

Essentially set in Northern Ireland and covers the lives,loves and tribulations of some of those who frequent a tea shop. Some of the characters were horried, and others remarkably sweet - the story of Clare and Peter! There was a familiarity with this storyline - it reminded me of The Hat Shop on the Corner by Marita Conlon-McKenna, albeit,that was set in Southern Ireland.

Sunday, 10 August 2008

The latest in the Elm Creek Series. Several of the Elm Creek Quilters are moving on, Gwen's daughter Sommer who has been working before heading back to university and Gwen's friend Judy who moves out of town with her family. Despite Sarah and Sylvia being sad, Sarah has some news of her own.....an addition or two to the residents of Elm Creek.

Friday, 1 August 2008

Anne Marie Roche is a young widow who manages Blossom Street Books, two doors down from A Good Yarn - the Blossom Street store featured in Wednesdays at Four. Separated from her husband at the time of his death, Anne Marie is grieving his death and has found solace in friends who have also experienced the death of their partner. Together they've created an informal widows' support group and as part of their therapy, each woman in the group makes a list of twenty wishes.Anne Marie's desires include falling in love again, learning how to knit (which is where Lydia from early Blossom Street titles comes in), and becoming a volunteer. In fulfilling her wishes and with a little help from her friends, Anne Marie builds on her relationship with her step-daughter, comes to terms with not only his death, but also her husband's betrayal.

SynopsisRaffaella Moretti, by far the most beautiful girl in the southern Italian town of Triento, is about to marry the only boy she has ever loved. It seems that nothing but happiness lies in store for Raffaella. Yet, just one year later, she is a widow, and has had to take a job as housekeeper in the Villa Rosa, for the young American who is temporarily working in Triento. As Raffaella struggles to recapture her own lost happiness she starts looking for ways to help those around her to do the same. There is Silvana the baker's wife, her passion barely hidden; Carlotta the gardener's daughter with her mysterious grief, and the kind and gentle owner of the Gypsy Tearoom who offers Raffaella friendship. As the lives of these villagers interweave, Raffaella is pulled into the centre of a conflict that threatens not only to divide Triento but also to destroy all she holds dear. Filled with food, love and longing, SUMMER AT THE VILLA ROSA is like taking a seat in a sun-drenched piazza, and becoming a tiny part of the endless spectacle of life there.

Linkwithin

About Me

I am a Surrey girl, who is very proud of her roots, which go back almost 300 years in Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire. I currently live in the West Country of England, but Surrey is always home! I am also half Italian and thus have an interest in Italian culture and genealogy.

After a career in pharmacy management spanning more than 20 years, I made the decision to look at my options as to where my professional life was heading. I wanted to expand my work portfolio within the training and writing arena; to utilise my historical and research skills along with other qualifications and years of experience. I created The Book of Me, Written by You back in the Autumn of 2012. It threads together the focus of my interests and qualifications. Enabling me to encourage others to think beyond the obvious as we analyse our own lives and those of our close family members.

Copyright

The material, both written and photographic on these pages is the copyright of Julie Goucher & Anglers Rest unless stated. Material on this site may be used for personal reference only. If you wish to use any of the material on this site for other means, please seek the written permission of Julie Goucher & Anglers Rest.